Head-To-Head: Seiko Prospex SLA033J1 Limited Edition 1970 Diver versus 6105-811X Homage Athaya Vintage AV002 Lamafa Diver

The classic oyster case divers from Seiko have been fan favorites for decades. Since the original 6105-811X dive watch (either 6105-8110 or 6105-8119; both are exactly the same, the last digit in the reference number indicates in which market the watch was originally sold) was introduced to the market in 1970, the design has been extensively copied by many watch brands.

(L) Seiko SLA033J1, (R) Athaya Vintage AV002

Unfortunately, I don't have an original but I decided to get a homage made by Athaya Vintage a few years ago. The Athaya Vintage SV002 Lamafa was built to similar dimensions. Recently, I had the opportunity to get my hands on a re-creation by Seiko called the Seiko Prospex SLA033J1 Limited Edition 1970 Diver. This is part of the series of special limited edition re-creations of iconic Seiko dive watches which started with the SLA017J1 (re-creation of the Seiko 62MAS reference 6217-800X; where X can either be 0 or 1 depending on the market the watch was originally sold).

Below is a table of comparative specifications of the watches. I have also added the original specification of the 6105-8110 as reference.

DETAILS	SLA033J1	6105-8110	AV002 Lamafa
Type	Scuba diving	Scuba diving	Scuba diving
Width	45 mm	44 mm	44.3 mm
Length	49.7 mm	47.5 mm	48 mm
Height	13 mm	12.5 mm	13.5 mm
Lugs	19 mm	19 mm	20 mm
Complication	Date	Date	Date (hidden)
Movement	8L35; 26 jewels	6105B; 17 jewels	NH35A; 24 jewels
Material	Stainless steel with DiaShield	Stainless steel	Stainless steel
Strap	Silicone strap	Rubber strap	Rubber strap
Crystal	Dual-curved sapphire with AR coating	Dual-curved Hardlex	Domed sapphire with AR coating
Water Rating	200 m	150 m	200 m
Construction	Casing with screw-down solid case-back	Casing with screw-down solid case-back	Casing with screw-down solid case-back
Crown	Screw-down	Twist-and-lock	Screw-down
Bezel	Unidirectional 120 clicks	Unidirectional 60 clicks	Unidirectional 120 clicks
Weight	131.5 gm	70 gm	107.4 gm
MSRP	USD4,250	USD75	USD350
Year	2019	1970	2015
Aspect Ratio#	0.91	0.93	0.93

# Aspect Ratio is defined as width divided by length

As you can see from the Aspect Ratio, the AV002 Lamafa is more closely aligned with the original 6105-811X in terms of dimensions.



Both watches come with a diver's strap, i.e. a rubber-like strap that is extended in length. This is to ensure the user could also use the watch over a thick dive suit. For the SLA033J1, the strap is made out of silicone while the AV002 Lamafa is made out of rubber. Between the two watches, I prefer the silicone strap over the rubber as it is softer, pliable and more durable over the other.

Note also the the texture of the top surface and bottom surface of the straps. Note the similarities in the types of textures available, from the waffle-like and the long-groves patterns found on the top surface to the pyramid dimple on the bottom surface. The buckles are also similarly simple in design.



The major difference is the strap guide. In the photo below, the SLA033J1 has a single signed wide metal piece whereas the AV002 Lamafa has two thinner textured rubber pieces. Both are free-floating. The original 6105-811X comes with two free-floating thin textured rubber prices similar to the AV002 Lamafa. In this regard, the AV002 Lamafa is more reflective of the original.



Another departure from the original is the introduction of the drill-through lug holes on the casing. You will find them on the SLA033J1 but not on the AV002 Lamafa as well as the original 6105-811X.



All three models have solid case-backs. However, the way information is etched on them is different. The SLA033J1 uses an early pattern 6105-811X case-back design with a horseshoe arrangement where as the AV002 Lamafa has a graphic image in the centre.



Between 1970 to mid-1974, the case-back pattern on the 6105-811X has the horseshoe arrangement.

Source: The Watch Bloke, https://thewatchbloke.co.uk/2015/05/26/seiko-6105-8110-3/

From mid-1974 to end of production in 1977, the simpler text arrangement was used.

Source: The Watch Bloke, https://thewatchbloke.co.uk/2015/06/02/seiko-6105-8110-4/

Conclusion

I am all for new materials. In this case, I fully supported the use of silicone and sapphire crystal. However, if given the option, I would also like to put in the mix, ceramic, for the bezel insert. These combination would be so cool.

As it stands, I am more incline to recommend the AV002 Lamafa over the SLA033J1. The primary factor that totally put me off the SLA033J1 is the astronomical pricing. By getting the AV002 Lamafa and paying just a bit extra for a silicone strap, one would be able to get something very comfortable to wear. Moreover, there are also a number of after-market shops that make ceramic inserts for the bezel which is not that expensive as well.


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